Association of ALDH1 promoter polymorphisms with alcohol-related phenotypes in southwest California Indians.
BACKGROUND: Cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) is an important enzyme in the metabolism of acetaldehyde and the synthesis of retinoic acid. Two polymorphisms in the promoter region of ALDH1A1-ALDH1A1*2 and ALDH1A1*3-have recently been identified and described in small samples of Asian, Caucasian, and African individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these polymorphisms in a sample of Southwest California Indians and to test for associations with alcohol dependence and other substance-related behaviors. METHODS: The participants in this study were 463 adult men and women recruited from 8 contiguous Indian reservations. A structured interview was used to gather information on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, and personal drinking and drug use history. A blood sample was obtained from each participant, and leukocyte DNA was extracted and used to genotype for the presence of the ALDH1A1 promoter polymorphisms. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (6%) possessed ALDH1A1*2 (frequency, 0.03), two participants possessed ALDH1A1*3, and one participant displayed both of these alleles. Individuals with an ALDH1A1*2 allele had lower rates of alcohol dependence and regular tobacco use than those without this allele. Individuals with ALDH1A1*2 also reported a significantly lower maximum number of drinks ever consumed in a 24-hr period, reported drinking fewer drinks per occasion when they first started drinking regularly, and reported lower expectations of alcohol's effects compared with individuals without this allele. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that ALDH1A1*2 may be associated with protection from the development of alcohol and other substance use disorders.[1]References
- Association of ALDH1 promoter polymorphisms with alcohol-related phenotypes in southwest California Indians. Ehlers, C.L., Spence, J.P., Wall, T.L., Gilder, D.A., Carr, L.G. Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res. (2004) [Pubmed]
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